Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner – Orthopaedics

Community: South Bend is a medium sized city, with many excellent schools and great neighborhoods. In addition, we are 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, with easy access by train, interstate, or air. Lake Michigan shorelines are less than an hour away! We are home of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University of South Bend, plus St. Mary’s College, Holy Cross College, and Bethel University. Our community is a great place to live & work and has ample recreational & educational opportunities for all. Why here? Discover the vast opportunities in the community!

About The South Bend Clinic: In 1916 Dr. Walter Baker, a South Bend surgeon, had the opportunity to tour the nationally known Mayo Clinic, it was the first large multi-specialty group practice of its kind. Dr. Baker was so inspired by what he saw that he immediately returned home and gathered five other specialists together to form a similar group, which became known as The South Bend Clinic. Those six doctors started the clinic that now includes ten campuses and nearly 150 providers, in over twenty specialties. Despite its exponential growth over the past 100+ years, The South Bend Clinic stays true to the founders’ purpose of patient-centered, physician-led healthcare. In 2021, the Clinic joined Duly Health and Care based in Chicago, Illinois—the Midwest’s largest independent, multi-specialty physician-led medical group. The shared philosophy and close partnership will further SBC’s mission to deliver patient-centered care, increase investments in local services, and create initiative to help Michiana resident live healthier, happier lives.

Read more about our orthopaedics team at The South Bend Clinic Orthopaedics

Under the direct supervision of a collaborative physician, physician site leader, and practice manager, the Physician Assistant (PA)/Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides medical care to patients within a detailed scope of practice. The scope of practice identifies the range of clinical modalities and protocols agreed upon between the PA/NP and collaborative physician. Within the ambulatory care setting, under the collaborative physician and scope of practice, the PA/NP completes physicals; orders diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: e.g., laboratory, x-ray, EKG, etc.; performs therapeutic procedures such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management; prescribes medications; instructs and educates patients and their families in proper healthcare, appropriate illness prevention, and home care; and documents in the patient chart progress notes, orders, etc. These aforementioned responsibilities are performed under the scope of practice to optimize clinical outcomes. The PA/NP must be credentialed as a mid-level provider by same Hospital(s) in which the collaborative physician has admitting privileges.

**Depending on Practice Site Requirements, scope of practice, and the PA/NP’s education, training, and experience, an incumbent in this position may not perform all the key responsibilities listed below. However, it is expected that at least 80% of the responsibilities are performed for this job. Travel to other sites may be required.

Performs and records complete physical examinations, as needed to evaluate a specific health problem, including a history and physical. Analyzes and interprets data, formulates presenting problems and causes, and establishes care plans for resolutions. Evaluates and treats acute minor illnesses and traumas according to established practice protocols. May assist physician with procedures or based on scope of practice, under review conduct invasive or non-invasive procedures.

In consultation with the collaborative physician, orders laboratory, x-ray, and/or other non-invasive diagnostic tests and procedures. Initiates referrals to appropriate physician or other health care professional of problems that exceed the PA/NPs scope of practice.

Prescribes medications as determined under scope of practice with collaborative physician oversight and mid-level practitioner controlled substance license

Instructs patients and families in proper healthcare, appropriate illness prevention measures, and home care in accordance with practice protocols and patient’s physical condition. Adjusts communication and instruction to the patient’s age, psycho-social, and cultural needs to obtain optimal health outcomes.

Depending on scope of practice and hospital requirements, may make daily rounds of hospitalized patients under supervision and communication with the collaborative physician. May be expected to contribute to care discussions and provide consultation to patients, physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to improve clinical care. Provides updates back to physician.

Ensures appropriate documentation of patient-related information is in the medical chart, including discharge summaries and instructions.

**Performs all other duties/responsibilities as assigned as dictated under scope of practice.